Low-income families in Omaha can get help from the city to make repairs.
The city of Omaha funds several home renovation programs for low-income residents. Owner-occupants and renters can benefit from these housing rehabilitation programs. To qualify for a grant, you or your tenants must meet the program's income limit level requirements. These requirements ensure that families most vulnerable to daily cost-of-living expenses live in safe and decent housing conditions.
HUD Community Development Block Grant
In April 2010, the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development provided $7.9 million in funding to the city of Omaha for affordable housing rehabilitation. A portion of the funding came from the Community Development Block Grant Program. CDBG funding must benefit families with total household incomes at or below 80 percent of the area's median income. Communities who accept CDBG funding must request citizen feedback for proposed housing development projects.
Owner-Occupant Rehabilitation Program
The Omaha Planning Department of Housing and Community Development has several renovation programs for Omaha residents. The Target Area Program helps families with income at or below 80 percent of Omaha's median income to make repairs that correct health and safety hazards, and to make the home accessible to people with disabilities. To qualify for help, your property must be located east of 72nd Street, and the home must be your primary place of residence. The Nebraska Affordable Housing Trust Fund program provides grants of up to $30,000 to help homeowners make repairs to their property. Eligible repairs include reducing lead-based paint hazards and repairing the roof, foundation or heating and air conditioning systems. You must also have income at or below 80 percent of the area's median income, and agree to live in the home for 36 months after the completion of the work.
Investor-Owned Housing Rehabilitation
The Investor-Owned Housing Rehabilitation Program provides landlords up to $11,000 (for a two-bedroom unit) to make repairs to on their rental property. Properties located east of 72nd Street are eligible for the repair grant. The property must have at least one code violation for the owner to qualify for a grant. The home also must house a low-to-moderate income household. The landlord has to agree to keep the rents affordable for up to 15 years to participate in the program. The Lead-Based Paint Hazard Control Program helps landlords correct lead-based paint hazards on their rental properties. The landlord must own the property, and a child younger than six must reside there. The landlord needs to be current on property taxes to qualify for help. The total household income of the family living at the home must be at or below 80 percent of the area's median income.
Critical Housing Needs
The city of Omaha provides grants to help low-income families make emergency repairs on their property. The family's total household income cannot exceed 50 percent of the area's median income to qualify for help. The Handyman Repair program provides low-cost repairs to help seniors make their home handicap accessible. To qualify for a grant, the senior or spouse must be aged 60 years or older and disabled. The League of Human Dignity provides funding for the Barrier Removal Program, which helps make a home more accessible for people with disabilities. Your income cannot exceed 80 percent of the area's median income to qualify for help. You can qualify to install wheelchair ramps or grab bars, or widen doorways to make your home more accessible.
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